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STATE OF MISSOURI

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

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IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS


STATE OF MISSOURI
STATE OF MISSOURI,
Plaintiff,
vs.
THURLESTER JOHNSON,
Defendant,

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CAUSE NO.: 1222-CR05524-01


DIVISION NO.: 19

STATES SENTENCING MEMORANDUM


Comes now the State of Missouri and states as follows:
1. On November 10, 2014, the defendant pled guilty to the following
offenses:
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.

Robbery First Degree


Armed Criminal Action
Robbery First Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery First Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Assault 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Assault 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Assault 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Assault 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
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XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII.
XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXII.
XXXIII.
XXXIV.
XXXV.
XXXVI.
XXXVII.
XXXVIII.
XXXIX.
XL.
XLI.
XLII.
XLIII.
XLIV.
XLV.
XLVI.
XLVII.
XLVIII.
XLIX.
L.
LI.
LII.
LIII.
LIV.

Attempted Robbery 1st Degree


Armed Criminal Action
Robbery First Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery First Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery First Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery First Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Attempted Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action
Robbery 1st Degree
Armed Criminal Action,

In all, this totals sixteen counts of robbery 1st degree, seven counts of
attempted robbery 1st degree, four counts of assault 1st degree, and twenty2

seven counts of armed criminal action; twenty-three victims; and five


separate incidents.

Case Summary
2. The facts and circumstances of defendants robbery spree are as
follows:
COUNTS 1 16
August 10, 2012, at about 10:50 p.m.
4535 Olive Street (Grand Masonic Hall)
Central West End Neighborhood
Officer Joseph Morrell was on patrol in the area of Taylor and
Maryland when he heard gunshots. He was stopped by a citizen who told
him that someone was shooting around the corner. Officer Morrell went to
the area of the gunshots and saw four elderly victims standing outside of the
Grand Masonic Hall, where they had just left a Bingo game. The victims
reported that defendant approached them as they were walking to their car.
Defendant said Drop everything you have. Do it, or Ill shoot you all. C.B.
threw a briefcase containing $200.00 and a checkbook belonging to the
bingo hall as well as his wallet containing $120.00 at defendant. Defendant
took M.Bs purse. Defendant also ripped a gold chain off of M.B.s neck.
Defendant took a purse belonging to W.H. Nothing was taken from E.A.
because she did not have any money. E.A. told defendant she had nothing to
give him and defendant replied Do you want to get shot? E.A. pleaded
with defendant and asked how he could shoot someone for having no
money.
As defendant was running away he pointed his gun at the victims.
C.B. is a CCW permit holder and C.B. drew his weapon and fired at
defendant in response. Defendant fired his weapon at the four victims.
C.B.s pant leg was hit as well as his shoe by defendants bullets.
C.B. and M.B. later identified defendant in both a photo spread and a
physical lineup as the person who took their property at gunpoint and also
shot at them.
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COUNTS 17 20
August 12, 2012, at about 9:15 p.m.
1617 Lafayette Ave.
Peabody Housing Complex & Lafayette Square Neighborhood
S.S. and K.S. left an acquaintances house in the Lafayette Square
neighborhood and were walking to their car when defendant surprised them
from behind. Defendant said, Dont move. Both victims turned around and
saw a dark colored semi-automatic handgun in defendants hand pointed at
them. Defendant told S.S. to give him everything he had and S.S. gave
defendant his iPhone, car key and credit cards. Defendant then said, Where
is the money? multiple times. Defendant then searched S.S.s pockets but
did not find any money. K.S. did not have anything to give defendant. After
defendant completed the robbery, he told the victims to run in the opposite
direction and not look back. Both victims later identified defendant in a
photo spread and a line-up as the person who robbed them at gunpoint.
COUNTS 21 32
August 19, 2012, at about 12:30 a.m.
32 N. Euclid
Central West End Neighborhood
Four new Washington University graduate students left their graduate
school orientation activity to grab a bite to eat. As they crossed the south
alley of West Pine, defendant approached them with a dark colored semiautomatic handgun. Defendant pointed the gun at the four victims and said,
Give me everything. Put everything in a pile. As the victims retrieved their
belongings for defendant, he said I have a gun. Ill kill you. Do you not
believe me? Do you want me to fire a shot? Defendant took wallets from
the two male victims, S.K. and M.C. and purses from two female victims,
A.H. and A.B. After the robbery was completed, the victims ran together to
the nearby 34 Club to seek help.
Meanwhile, R.B. and K.I. exited the 34 Club and started walking
south on Euclid. K.I. brought R.B.s attention to defendant, who looked
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unusual because he was walking with purses in his hand. Before R.B. could
reply to K.I., defendant turned around and pointed his handgun at them.
Defendant said, Give me everything you got, I aint kidding. At this point
R.B. ran across Euclid. Within seconds he heard a gunshot and saw the
defendant still holding the handgun as he ran across the street. R.B. then he
heard defendant yell Drive! Drive! R.B. then saw defendant getting into
the passenger side of a dark colored newer model SUV. K.I. across ran
across Euclid after defendant demanded his property. As he was running, he
heard a gunshot from defendants direction.
A security guard at a nearby apartment complex heard the gunshot
and then saw a man matching defendants description getting into the
passenger side of a newer model dark red SUV and could hear him yelling
Go, go, go!
R.B., A.H.and M.C. later identified defendant in a photo spread. K.I.,
S.K., M.C., A.H. and A.B. later identified defendant in a line-up.
Counts 33 46
August 22, 2012, at about 10:56 p.m.
551 S. Broadway (near Busch Stadium)
Downtown Neighborhood
Victims, five friends who worked together as nurses, attended a
Cardinal baseball game and walked together afterwards to Beale on
Broadway. As they were walking to their vehicle after leaving the restaurant,
defendant approached them and said, I want five purses on the ground now!
Im not playing around. As defendant said these words, he was pointing a
black handgun at the victims. Four of the women threw their purses to the
ground only for defendant to then demand their jewelry. As victim S.D.
handed defendant her ring, he said Dont call for help or I will shoot you!
After taking property from the victims, defendant told them to walk towards
the stadium.
Meanwhile, two women, J.J. and her daughter S.J., who work at
Busch Stadium, walked through the group of nurses as they were being
robbed on their way home. Defendant tried to rob them but seeing what they
had with them said, I dont want your shit! Run and I will blow your
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fucking head off. J.J. and S.J. walked with the nurses to the stadium to
seek help.
S.D. saw a maroon or dark colored SUV next to where she was
standing during the robbery. She later identified the driver of the SUV in a
photo spread.
Defendant was arrested on 10.3.2012 at the Moto Mart Convenience
Store. Police searched the house where defendant was living. Police found
.40 caliber ammunition behind the bedroom dresser, a loaded .40 caliber
handgun in the living room couch and a trash bag containing four purses in
the kitchen pantry. Detectives also found a kitchen trash bag containing four
purses, including purses belonging to S.D. and M.R. and R.Gs wallet.
Victims R.G., J.G., S D., M.R., J.J. and S.J. identified defendant in a
photo spread. All seven victims also identified defendant in a line-up. All of
the victims identified the gun found at defendants house as the weapon he
used in the robbery.
Counts 47 54
September 27, 2012, at 8:55 p.m.
4502 Laclede
Central West End Neighborhood
Four teachers finished eating their dinner at Applebees and walked to
their car when defendant approached them and said Can I get a light?
Victim C.H. told defendant that they do not smoke and they quickly
approached their car and started to get inside. As C.H. closed the drivers
side door defendant grabbed it, pulling it from her hand and forcing it open.
Defendant reached into the car and showed a black handgun to the four
victims inside. Defendant said give me everything now. The other three
women handed their purses to C.H. who gave them to defendant. C.H. also
gave defendant her own purse.
A witness saw the robbery and hid when the defendant saw him and
said, Come here. I want to talk to you. The witness saw defendant get into
a maroon SUV.

Detectives were able to find the maroon Ford Explorer in the


moments after the robbery. Victim C.M.s iPhone was stolen. Using victim
K.C.s iPhone, the detectives were able to track defendants whereabouts
using GPS technology. The GPS traced defendants movements to a
residence at 5100 Northland. At that address detectives saw the maroon
Ford Explorer used in the robberies parked on the street. The windows were
rolled down and the hood was warm to the touch. The plate on the car was
registered to defendant. This information regarding defendants name was
used by detectives investigating this robbery spree in developing photo
spreads and live line-ups.
.
Defendant History
3. The defendant is a prior and persistent offender having pled to the
following offenses:
On November 5, 1987, in St. Louis County, Missouri, defendant pled
guilty to charge of receiving stolen property (felony) and he received a
suspended imposition of sentence.
On December 18, 1987, defendant pled guilty to the charge of
receiving stolen property (felony), Cause Number 21CCR-560400, in St.
Louis County, Missouri, and he was granted a suspended imposition of
sentence. Defendants probation was revoked on June 13, 1990 and he was
sentenced to three years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
On May 18, 1988, defendant pled guilty to the charge of Operating a
Vehicle without a Valid License (misdemeanor) in St. Louis County,
Missouri, and was sentenced to ten days in county jail and a fine of $750.00.
On June 13, 1990, in St. Louis County, Missouri, defendant pled guilty to
stealing (felony), Cause Number 90CR-3708, and he was sentenced to three
years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to five counts of robbery first
degree and five counts of armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193R4405A-01, in St. Louis County, Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years
in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
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On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to the charges of 1) robbery


second degree, 2) armed criminal action, 3) assault first degree, and 4)
armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193C-4980-01, in St. Louis County,
Missouri, and was sentenced to fifteen years in the Missouri Department of
Corrections.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to the charges of 1) robbery first
degree, and 2) armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193R-05207A-01, in
St. Louis County, Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the
Missouri Department of Corrections.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to the charges of 1) robbery first
degree, 2) armed criminal action, 3) assault second degree, and 4) armed
criminal action, Cause Number 2193R-05210-A, in St. Louis County,
Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the Missouri Department of
Corrections on each robbery first degree and armed criminal action and
fifteen years on each attempted robbery count.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to four counts of robbery first
degree, six counts of attempted robbery first degree and ten counts of armed
criminal action, Cause Number 2193R-4405A-01, in St. Louis County,
Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the Missouri Department of
Corrections.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to the charges of 1) robbery first
degree, and 2) armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193R-6110, in St.
Louis County, Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the Missouri
Department of Corrections.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to the charges of 1) robbery first
degree, and 2) armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193R-6267B, in St.
Louis County, Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the Missouri
Department of Corrections.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to the charges of 1) robbery first
degree, and 2) armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193R-6268A, in St.
Louis County, Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the Missouri
Department of Corrections.
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On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to one count of robbery first


degree, one count of felonious restraint, and two counts of armed criminal
action, Cause Number 2193R-6269, in St. Louis County, Missouri, and was
sentenced to thirty years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for the
robbery first degree and armed criminal actions counts and seven years on
the count of felonious restraint.
On June 3, 1994, defendant pled guilty to three counts of robbery first
degree and three counts of armed criminal action, Cause Number 2193R6272, in St. Louis County, Missouri, and was sentenced to thirty years in the
Missouri Department of Corrections on each count.
On September 11, 1996, defendant pled guilty to the charge of delivery
or possession of a weapon in a correctional facility, in St. Francois County
(Farmington), and was sentenced to five years in the Missouri Department of
Corrections.
On May 21, 1997, defendant pled guilty to the charge of violence to an
inmate, in Washington County, Missouri (Potosi) and was sentenced to five
years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
4. Please see attachment for defendants arrest history.
5. The defendant was on parole for numerous robbery offenses (see
above) when he committed the crimes charged in this case.
Defendants Character
6. Defendant has previous convictions for twenty-five robbery related
offenses.
7. In August and September 2012, defendants actions constituted
nothing short of a crime spree. His actions directly impacted the lives
and sensibilities of twenty-three victims. Each of these victims had
their notions of safety taken away when defendant pointed a loaded
gun at them. Their impression of the City of St. Louis is forever
changed because of defendants actions

8. Each of defendants victims was doing totally normal activities when


defendant robbed them. Each victim deserves to go about their
personal business in safety.
In counts 1 16, four elderly people were leaving a bingo game
at the Masonic Hall.
In counts 17 20, defendant targeted a couple leaving a home
in Lafayette Square.
In counts 21 32, defendant victimized four Washington
University graduate students leaving orientation activities.
In counts 33 42, defendant targeted five nurses leaving a
restaurant after enjoying a Cardinals baseball game at Busch
Stadium.
In counts 43 46, defendant targeted two stadium employees, a
mother and daughter, who were leaving work and going home.
In counts 47 54, defendant targeted four teachers who ate
dinner at Applebees and were getting into their car.
9. Defendant committed his crimes in vibrant neighborhoods that are all
too frequently victimized by serious crimes. The Downtown and
Central West End neighborhoods are favorite neighborhoods for the
citizens of St. Louis as well as visitors to the area.
10. The Lafayette Square Neighborhood was targeted by defendant in
counts 17 20. Residents of the Lafayette Square Neighborhood have
previously filed a neighborhood impact statement with the Court.
11. The Central West End Neighborhood was targeted by defendant in
counts 1-16, counts 21-32, and counts 47-54. Individual residents of
the Central West End have previously filed two impact statements
with the Court; both letters stress the importance of the CWE to the
people who live there and to City as a whole.
Victim Impact Information
12. The State informs the Court of the following victim impact
information:
a. Mr. and Mrs. C.B. (victims on counts 1-4 and 9-12) were
robbed at gunpoint by defendant after leaving a bingo game at
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the Masonic Hall. Defendants actions have changed the way


this couple views the world. They now keep the doors to their
home locked at all times, even when they are home. The
installed an alarm system. They are truly fearful in their own
home.
C.B. ran the Bingo game and he described how he was forced
to close the bingo game for a month until he was able to hire
more security. In addition, they installed cameras at the hall.
C.B. feels that when the defendant fired his weapon at them he
did not take into account the safety of the four victims or any of
the other people in the area at the time; he worries that any of
them could have been hit by defendants bullets.
Most of all, C.B. stresses that his wife M.B. is still shook up
from the assault and robbery. She finds it hard to even attend
the plead and sentencing hearing, but she will in support of her
husband. She finds it hard to even talk about what happened to
her.
b. The State has attached to this memorandum a victim impact
statement from victim R.B., who defendant robbed after leaving
an establishment in the Central West End (counts 29 and 30).
In his letter he stresses that he is constantly looking over his
shoulder when walking in public and that his confidence in
human beings has been greatly diminished.
c. The State has attached to this memorandum a victim impact
statement from R.G., who defendant robbed after leaving an
establishment near Busch Stadium (counts 33 and 34). She
stresses that defendant changed her life forever. She was
terrified to be alone, had to explain the events to her four year
old son and felt a financial strain as well as emotional strain on
her life.
d. S.D. (victim on counts 35 and 36) was robbed at gunpoint by
defendant outside of Busch Stadium. She would like the Court
to know that the biggest impact for her was the loss of her sense
of security and safety. In the days after the robbery, she felt
paranoid everywhere she went. Even still, when she walks to
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her car in the parking lot at the hospital where she works, she is
freaked out, on edge and paranoid. She thinks that everyone
who approaches me is doing so for the wrong reasons. These
feelings are a direct result of defendants actions the night she
was robbed.
e. The State has attached to this memorandum a victim impact
statement from M.R., who defendant robbed after leaving an
establishment near Busch Stadium (counts 37 and 38). In her
letter she describes how defendant ruined an annual tradition
with co-workers, attending a Cardinals game. She also
describes how this incident has effected her emotionally,
making her fearful of never seeing her child again and seeing
defendants face in her dreams. This incident was life changing
for her.
f. The State has attached to this memorandum a victim impact
statement from J.G.; defendant robbed her after leaving an
establishment near Busch Stadium (counts 39 and 40). She
writes I feel the emotional damage this man has done to me,
my family and my friends is far worse than the physical items
he took from us. She has struggled with trust issues and feels
suspicious around strangers as a direct result of defendants
actions.
g. The State has attached to this memorandum a victim impact
statement from S.M., who defendant tried to rob after leaving
an establishment near Busch Stadium (counts 41 and 42). She
stresses in her letter that since this event, she no longer walks
places, she carries mace with her and she has lost time at work
due to anziety and has fear in her daily life. I will never feel
safe like I did prior to this awful event. He changed life as I
knew it forever.
Recommendation
Wherefore, the State of Missouri respectfully requests, that under the
facts and circumstances of this case, considering the history and character of
the defendant, and for the protection of the public, the Court impose the
following sentences:
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Count 1: Life in the Missouri Department of Corrections;


Count 2: Life in the Missouri Department of Corrections, to run
consecutive with Count 1; and,
Counts 3 54: Life in the Missouri Department of Corrections on
each count, to run concurrent with all other counts;
for a total sentence of life imprisonment plus life imprisonment in the
Missouri Department of Corrections.
Respectfully Submitted,
/s/ Jeff Coleman
________________________
Jeff Coleman, #52351
Assistant Circuit Attorney
1114 Market Street, Room 401
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 622-4941

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